A State-by-State Guide to the Most Iconic Foods in America

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New Mexico: Green Chile Cheeseburger

New Mexico’s most iconic food is the green chile cheeseburger, a fiery twist on the classic burger that showcases the state’s beloved Hatch green chiles. Throughout New Mexico, you’ll find this menu item proudly advertised – locals often ask not “if” you want chile, but “red or green?” For the quintessential experience, green is the answer. A green chile cheeseburger starts with a juicy grilled beef patty which is then topped with a generous heap of roasted green chile peppers (usually Hatch chiles, known for their ideal balance of heat and flavor) that have been chopped and stewed into a savory sauce. Melted cheese (often cheddar or Jack) goes on top, and the whole thing is assembled on a bun that soaks up the spicy juices. The Hatch Valley in southern New Mexico produces these famous chiles, and come late summer, their aroma roasts in the air at roadside stands. The peppers add a smoky, earthy heat to the burger that elevates it above the ordinary fast-food fare. The green chile cheeseburger is so iconic that there’s even an official Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail map guiding hungry travelers to the best spots. It’s a delicious symbol of New Mexico’s chile-centric cuisine – one bite of that roasted chile flavor melting into beef and cheese, and you know you’re eating in the Land of Enchantment.